steven holl architects: linked hybrid

linked hybrid is a multi-purpose complex in beijing, chaina designed by steven holl architects. the project is 220,000 square-meters spread over eight interconnected towers. the multiple structures are joined together by a ring of skybridges that each hold different public functions. the unusual design was created to counter current urban development trends in china. instead of a sealed off private tower, the building is a porous urban space that is open to the public on all sides. the complex houses over 750 apartments, recreation facilities, a hotel, school and various public and private facilities. the concept for the structure encapsulates a ‘city within a city’ providing service for over 2500 inhabitants. the building was recently named the ‘best tall building’ in asia and australia by the council on tall buildings and urban habitat (CTBUH).

photograph: © steven holl architects
from Designboom - Weblog

ecdm architects: gymnasium la tourelle sarcelles, france

located 16 kilometers from paris, sarcelles is part of the 'banlieue' that quickly accommodated immigrants who arrived at the end of the 50s. with a current population close to 60,000, sarcelles consist of a small old core and a huge expansion to the south known as le grand ensemble and conceived in 1965 by jacques henri-labourdette, it is currently undergoing an ambitious urban renewal operation. this is the context behind the project by ecdm architects which created cover and access for disabled people in a multi-sport court of the secondary school of la tourelle.

photo © p. ruault
from Designboom - Weblog

Vision 2030 / MVRDV

With the city of Almere’s growth expected to require thousands of new residences, work places and related facilities, MVRDV was commissioned to collaborate with the city to design a concept structure vision to accommodate such drastic expansion. MVRDV’s Vision 2030 will create a framework to satisfy the growth for about 20 years. ”The structure vision for Almere is more than an urban master plan…” said Adri Duivesteijn, city councilor of Almere, “…it describes how the city can develop in economic, cultural and social terms. The expansion is not a quantitative effort. Even though the number of 60,000 new homes is impressive, the main objective is the addition of new qualities. Almere wants to serve the demand of the Randstad and at the same time needs the chance to develop into an ecologic, social and economically sustainable city”.

from Arch Daily by Karen Cilento

massimo iosa ghini: 'south face' installation

'south face', a project by iosa ghini associati, is an architectural installation which consists
of an insulated, modular wall composed of hollow panels made from eco-cement and quarry substrates that can accommodate thick, lush foliage. the south-facing façade of the structure forms a vertical garden which absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and uses this to insulate the environment it encloses from humidity.

from Designboom - Weblog

massimiliano fuksas: scenography of medea and edipo for the greek theatre of siracusa, italy

architect massimiliano fuksas has created a greek theatre for the fondazione INDA
(istituto nazionale del dramma antico) in siracusa, italy.

according to fuksas the element of thought and inspiration for this scenography was the horizon. a very simple horizon - he adds- that speaks about the catharsis element and the landscape, the place and the action for the conscience of the ancient spectators. as the landscape and the scenery are changed in the course of time, the contained intention in this scenography is the reconstruction of the lost horizon, staged by a 'concave blade' that mirrors all that happens around, that involves the audience, that reflects and invites to reflect.

from Designboom - Weblog

Ex Arsenal at Maddalena Conversion / Stefano Boeri Architetti

Italian based Stefano Boeri Architetti shared with us their latest project: The requalification and recovery of the ex Military Arsenal on the island of La Maddalena, Italy. This project includes a hotel, a congress centre, a conference building, two large exhibition and commercial spaces and a quay for 700 boats.

from Arch Daily by David Basulto

Mercado Central de la Flor, Mercabarna / Willy Muller Architects

Mercabarna inaugurated the new building for Mercabarna-Flor, a new market for wholesale flowers, plants and accessories. The market aims to become one of the principal in Catalonia and the rest of Spain, and a landmark in terms of facilities at the European level.

from Plataforma Arquitectura by Carlos J Vial

Prestigious Architecture Award for DSDHA’s Møller Centre in Cambridge

RIBA recently selected The Study Centre at The Møller Centre in Cambridge, UKas a regional winner of the prestigious annual RIBA architecture awards. The Study Centre was opened in 2007 and designed by London-based architects DSDHA. Winners of the Regional and European Awards are put forward for the Stirling Prize for Architecture, which is announced in October.

from Bustler.net News by Vanilla Hustler